Economics Explored

Around the world, the tech giants such as Google and Facebook are being challenged by traditional media and governments. This episode considers the pros and cons of a new proposal in Australia to improve the bargaining position of traditional media companies relative to the tech giants. Economics Explored host Gene Tunny discusses the issues with his Adept Economics colleagues Taylor-Rose Hull and Ben Scott.The discussion is based on the following article:Australian Government takes on digital giants Google and FacebookLinks relevant to the conversation include:US justice department sues Google over accusation of illegal monopolyUnited States v. Microsoft Corp.ACCC Draft news media bargaining codePizzagate conspiracy theory 

Economics Explored host Gene Tunny speaks with Stephen Howell, Principal Adviser of Effective Governance, regarding the importance of good corporate governance to a well-functioning economy. They consider examples of how poor governance of companies has damaged economies in the past, and they discuss principles for good corporate governance. Corporate social responsibility is also discussed, beginning with a consideration of Milton Friedman’s doctrine that companies should be run solely in the interests of their shareholders. Links related to the discussion include:Directors at Work: A Practical Guide for BoardsRio Tinto blasted ancient Aboriginal caves for $135m of iron oreGovernance through a crisis

Quantitative Easing (QE), once considered unconventional monetary policy, is becoming a long-term strategy of central banks. Michael Knox, Chief Economist of Morgans, a major Australian wealth management firm, discusses his recent note on this issue with Economics Explored host Gene Tunny.Relevant links include:Michael Knox’s note QE as a long-term strategyBen Bernanke’s AEA Presidential Address on the New Tools of Monetary PolicyGuy Debelle’s speech on the Australian Economy and Monetary PolicyUS money supply (M2) data from FREDMoney supply growth chart for Australia from RBAA conversation with Professor Alan Blinder '67 and Chair Jerome Powell '75Robert Heller’s IMF paper on International Reserves, Money, and Global Inflation (from p. 28)

The Precautionary Principle is being used to justify the closure of state borders in Australia to deal with COVID-19. Should the Precautionary Principle, which many argue is relevant to climate change, be extended to COVID-19? Economics Explored host Gene Tunny discusses the Precautionary Principle and COVID-19 with Joe Branigan, Director of Tulipwood Economics.Links relevant to the conversation include:The precautionary principle should not be used as a basis for decision-makingJohn Quiggin on Complexity, Climate Change and the Precautionary PrincipleThe Cost-benefit RevolutionCOVID19: Getting Australia Safely Back to WorkCancer screening, heart attack and stroke presentations down in Victoria during coronavirus pandemicThe silent death toll of COVID-19 revealed: Huge 25 per cent jump in suicides each year

How cutting red tape and improving regulations could help economies recover from the COVID-crisis.  Economics Explained host Gene Tunny speaks with University of Sydney Associate Professor Salvatore Babones about his paper, co-authored with Ben Scott, Rationalising Regulation, which is part of the Centre for Independent Studies Pandemic to Recovery Policy Papers series.  The paper is available via the CIS website.

Australia is having a big debate about state border restrictions which have been implemented to stop the spread of coronavirus. A conversation with Joe Branigan of Tulipwood Economics on the economic and public policy issues involved. Joe Branigan of Tulipwood Economics. Joe is the co-author with Dr Henry Ergas of the Menzies Research Centre paper COVID19: Getting Australia Safely Back to Work.Items mentioned in our conversation include:The Triumvirate’s Stratagem cannot stand – guest post by Joe BraniganNick Behrens’s briefing on the state of Queensland's COVID-19 Fiscal and Economic Review 

Host Gene Tunny and his Adept Economics colleague Ben Scott discuss how economics can help us develop sensible public policies on a diverse range of issues, including the environment, housing, and public health, among others.Links relevant to this episode include:Gene’s presentation to Public Policy Pitch participantsPresentation slidesUQES & PPES Adept Economics Policy Pitch Competition

Economics Explained host Gene Tunny chats with Brisbane-based businessman Tim Hughes about what economists do and why the world needs them. Relevant links include:Wired article on Google Chief Economist Dr Hal VarianBehavioural economics with Dr Brendan Markey-Towler 

Economics Explained host Gene Tunny presents some of his preliminary views on what the New Normal post-COVID could be like. Links relevant to the conversation include:Will the Pandemic Push Knowledge Work into the Gig Economy?Some retailers are turning their shops into 'dark stores' as consumers turn to online shoppingHome delivery of ‘comfort food’ increasing during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdown Amazon sales soar as coronavirus-worried consumers shop from home, but costs risePwC on COVID-19: from health issue to economic crisisCybersecurity in the Age of CoronavirusWhy Uber, Lyft's future in California could be decided by voters

Economics Explained host Gene Tunny discusses the drivers of the gold price with Darren Brady Nelson, Chief Economist of LibertyWorks and a policy advisor at the Heartland Institute. Links related to the conversation include:Darren's Mises Institute article How Fear and Uncertainty Drives Demand for GoldSudden Media Infatuation With Keynes' "Barbaric Relic" - GoldKeynes vs Hayek rap battleMilton Friedman on the gold standard – Excerpt: The Man Who KnewHistorical gold price data at measuringworth.com